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History of Apricot

Apricot – fruit of many beliefs

An apricot tree is from the tree species Prunus armeniaca, also known as the Armenian plum, as it’s believed to have originated in Armenia. The origin of the Apricot is however disputed even today. An archaeological excavation at Garni Armenia suggested that apricots were consumed during the Eneolithic era. The wood from the apricot tree is today used to make wooden carvings such as the duduk, a popular wind instrument and is also known as the apricot pipe. Many traditional hand-made souvenirs are also made from apricot wood.

Al alternative origin

Some people also believe that apricots originated in China, where they were called "moons of the faithful". 4th century Chinese philosopher Chuang Tzu, believed and told people that Confucius taught his students in an environment surrounded by apricot trees.

A fruit with medicinal values

The Chinese associated apricot with having educational and medicinal properties and were thought to enhance women's fertility. Its relevance with medicine comes from the use of apricot seeds, being used as a key component in traditional Chinese medicine. It is further enhanced by the story of Dong Feng, a well-renowned physician during the Three Kingdoms Period, who accepted no payments from his patients other than that they planted apricot trees in his farm, once they recovered from their illnesses. This large area of apricot trees, resulted in a steady supply of medicinal ingredients. Poets still use the term, “Expert of the Apricot Grove” as a reference to physicians.

The poetic connection

Apricots were considered an important fruit of trade in the Middle-East and being considered an aphrodisiac in Europe. They have been used in that context in William Shakespeare’s, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and in John Webster’s, The Duchess of Malfi, as an inducer of child-birth.

Expanding horizons

In the New World, Apricots were brought to English Colonies by English settlers. Apricots were produced in America, with the help of seedlings that were carried to the west coast by Spanish missionaries. Most American commercial production is in California, with some production in Washington and Utah. Today Apricots are grown in Australia, China, India, and in most other countries that have a climate that supports it.